Iran's internet blackout has been likened to a "digital gulag", where dissenting voices are silenced, and human rights abuses are hidden from the world. But it's not just Iran that's experiencing this phenomenon – authoritarian regimes around the globe have been employing internet shutdowns as a tool of control.
According to Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager at Access Now, these shutdowns often serve as a clever ruse for governments to mask their human rights abuses. "Shutdowns tend to enable governments to conceal their wrongdoing," she notes. This is a stark reminder that the internet is not just a tool for free speech, but also a powerful means of holding those in power accountable.
The effects of these shutdowns are far-reaching and devastating. In Iran, the blackout has made it impossible for people to access vital information, communicate with loved ones, or even report human rights abuses. For ordinary citizens, the consequences can be dire – they're cut off from the world, unable to seek help or express their dissent.
As Anthonio highlights, these shutdowns are a disturbing trend that demands urgent attention. "The internet is a fundamental right, and governments should not have the power to shut it down at will," she says. The international community must take note – failure to hold authoritarian regimes accountable for their actions could embolden them to continue silencing dissenting voices.
The true cost of these shutdowns can only be fully understood when we consider the broader implications. As long as governments are allowed to wield this power, free speech and human rights will remain under threat. It's time for the world to take a stand – not just against Iran, but against internet shutdowns worldwide.
According to Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager at Access Now, these shutdowns often serve as a clever ruse for governments to mask their human rights abuses. "Shutdowns tend to enable governments to conceal their wrongdoing," she notes. This is a stark reminder that the internet is not just a tool for free speech, but also a powerful means of holding those in power accountable.
The effects of these shutdowns are far-reaching and devastating. In Iran, the blackout has made it impossible for people to access vital information, communicate with loved ones, or even report human rights abuses. For ordinary citizens, the consequences can be dire – they're cut off from the world, unable to seek help or express their dissent.
As Anthonio highlights, these shutdowns are a disturbing trend that demands urgent attention. "The internet is a fundamental right, and governments should not have the power to shut it down at will," she says. The international community must take note – failure to hold authoritarian regimes accountable for their actions could embolden them to continue silencing dissenting voices.
The true cost of these shutdowns can only be fully understood when we consider the broader implications. As long as governments are allowed to wield this power, free speech and human rights will remain under threat. It's time for the world to take a stand – not just against Iran, but against internet shutdowns worldwide.
I'm getting so frustrated thinking about people being cut off from the internet like that in Iran... it's like they're literally taking away their oxygen 
. And Felicia is right, it's not just Iran - all these other countries doing the same thing. It's like, what even is the point of having a "free" internet if you can just shut it down whenever you want? 
It's not like they're going to magically start caring about people's voices if we just ignore the shutdowns. We need to hold them accountable, like Felicia said 
. No way, that's not a solution... we need to stand up for what's right and make sure our voices aren't silenced 
. I mean, we've got to stay vigilant and hold those in power accountable, but let's not lose hope either 
. There are so many amazing tech activists out there who are using their skills to bring about positive change – it's a reminder that even the smallest actions can add up to make a big impact 
.
it's mind-blowing how governments can just shut down the internet as a way to control people. And it's not just Iran, I mean, what about other countries like China and Egypt? 
It's crazy that they think they can just silence us and get away with it.
this is so frustrating! i mean think about it - when you're trying to report something that's wrong or speak out against injustice, and your internet gets shut down... what are you supposed to do? 
. I mean, who needs the internet to access info or stay connected with loved ones? It's crazy how much power governments think they have over us. And what really bothers me is that these shutdowns can happen anywhere, not just Iran. It's like a wake-up call to all of us - we gotta speak up and demand our rights online 
. I'm all for it when governments start to hold each other accountable for their actions 
or that people actually think it's cool to silence dissenting voices 
. like, isn't the whole point of the internet supposed to be a platform for free speech? and now it seems like governments are using it as a tool to control what we can say and do 
. anyway, felicia anthonio is totally right - these shutdowns are a clever way for governments to hide their human rights abuses 
. but we can't just sit back and let them get away with it 
and what's even more sad is that this is happening to so many people around the world, not just iran. we need to be vigilant and make sure our voices are heard 
, like, I'm pretty sure it wasn't an internet shutdown specifically targeting me... just the restaurant's server having a bad day. But for real though, have you ever noticed how much more productive you are when your Wi-Fi is stable? Like, focus mode activated 
I mean, can you even imagine living in a country where you're cut off from the entire world like that? 
. We need to stand up and say no more internet shutdowns, you know? 
This is getting out of hand - what if there are more countries that do this?! 
We need to stand up against it ASAP! 
we can't just sit back and let this happen. We gotta speak out against it! 
. It's like, our voices are literally silenced when they do this. And the worst part is, we don't even know what's going on behind those closed doors... it's like, how can we hold anyone accountable if we're not allowed to communicate freely? 
. If they really cared about protecting us, they'd be using the internet to keep us safe, not shutting it down! 
It's time for the world to take a stand against internet shutdowns worldwide 
I've seen other countries do this too. It's like they're trying to control what we think and say 
And now it feels like we're living in some kind of dystopian novel 
.
. What we need is a more nuanced discussion about how to balance freedom of speech with national security concerns 
.
?